Thailand Vows Assistance for Hong Kongers
Thailand has pledged its full support to ensure the safe return of Hong Kong residents who were lured to Southeast Asia for illegal work, according to security chief Chris Tang. This development comes after a task force, led by Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk, traveled to Thailand to hold discussions with senior Thai officials and representatives of the Chinese embassy.
Positive Response from Thai Authorities
During these meetings, the task force engaged with representatives from Thailand’s justice ministry, who are part of the Anti Trafficking-in-Persons Committee chaired by the country’s prime minister. Tang expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that Thai authorities have shown a genuine willingness to assist in bringing back the affected Hongkongers safely.
Assistance Requests and Returns
Since the initiation of this effort, authorities in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) have received 28 requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents who claim to be detained in Southeast Asian countries. Out of these cases, 16 individuals have already been successfully repatriated to Hong Kong. The remaining 12 individuals have reported facing restrictions on their movement but confirmed that they are safe and in regular contact with the task force.
In a heartwarming turn of events, one of the returnees, Emily, shared her experience of being reunited with her family after months of uncertainty. “I couldn’t believe it when I finally saw my parents waiting for me at the airport. It was an emotional moment that I will never forget,” she recounted with tears of joy in her eyes. This personal story serves as a reminder of the human impact behind these rescue efforts and the importance of ensuring the safe return of every individual affected.
Through collaborative efforts between Hong Kong and Thai authorities, the hope is to continue facilitating the repatriation of all remaining Hong Kongers in distress, providing them with the necessary support and assistance to reintegrate into their communities. The commitment shown by both sides reflects a shared dedication to upholding the welfare and safety of every individual, regardless of borders or circumstances.
